On this day in 1941, the Japanese completed a devastating surprise air attack on U.S. military forces in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The next day, Franklin Roosevelt made a very emotional and world-altering speech, known as the Infamy Speech, and uttered these famous words: “Yesterday, December 7, 194 – a date which will live in infamy – the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.” Our recognition of that event today illustrates how accurate President Roosevelt’s infamy remark was.

The end result of that attack marked the U.S. entry into World War II. Today I simply want to acknowledge this important day in military and world history, and give honor to those who survived and died all years ago in that harbor of horror. To those brave warriors of Pearl Harbor and courageous soldiers who have fought for this great country since, I bow my head with respect and thank you very much for your service!